We don't mean a pre amp. We mean an audio interface like this...

http://us.focusrite.com/u...nterfaces/scarlett-2i2

An interface will make your recording experience MUCH easier. It will take a lot of the burden off your system which will translate into better functionality. There are lots of different makes out there so if you want help choosing let us know. The one I linked to has nice mic pres built in. 

MrQuestion


It's fascinating to see Caesar go down the same hole I did and get the same answers I did.
 
Software is getting creakier and creakier.

They are not meant for DAW use. They should work just fine in an audio app like Sound Recorder thats built into Windows but for DAWs its not the device so much but the drivers that come with them.

They are little better than the built in sound chip on the motherboard.

A good mic and audio interface meant for a DAW is the only way to go.  

if you guys have any suggestions please let me know!  im a sander, by day and musician all the other times.  I don't have a ton of money supporting 3 kids, but I get by.  if theres something that will work well with my software, but not break my bank, please let me know :)

What are you looking to do with it? By that I mean how many and what kind of inputs/outputs do you need? If you only need a couple inputs and one set of stereo outputs the interface I linked to will work well. Those two inputs will handle XLR, guitar or bass instrument line in and direct line inputs. The monitor outs will go to powered monitors and it has a headphone output. Both the monitor and headphone outputs have their own volume knob which is SUPER handy. If you need old style MIDI connections though you'll need something different but most MIDI devices these days use USB. That one goes for about $150 I think so it's a good price. I own it's bigger brother the 18i6 and it works great.

A Roland device will do the job and shouldn't break the bank too much. It will work with Sonar. I think this may do the trick QUAD-CAPTURE: USB 2.0 Audio Interface. 269$ at Musician's Friend Beep has a good one there too. And its a better price.  

what I have right now is the akai mpd32 midi controller, which plugs in using usb and I have no issues with that.  I have a midi usd keyboard im waiting on in the mail.  my mic is not usb,but I figured I could grab up a usb cord for it and have it working straight away.  judging by all of your helpful responses, I didn't do enough research :)  im fairly certain that I need 2 inputs incase I need something else. but one should do fine